Waking up in the middle of the night sweaty can be unpleasant, especially if it starts to become a regular occurrence. There are a variety of underlying causes for this condition, and depending on the cause, certain herbs may be of use to you in reducing the frequency of night sweats. If there is a medical condition causing the sweats, your doctor may put you on medication. Before using any herbs to treat this condition, consult your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to consume these herbs.
What Are Night Sweats?
Night sweats can occur for a variety of reasons. MayoClinic.com describes night sweats as episodes of heavy sweating during the night that can drench your pajamas or bed sheets, even if the temperature in your room is not hot. These occurrences are uncomfortable but are not usually cause for alarm. Night sweats can occur due to medications like antidepressants or hormone therapy drugs, menopause or medical conditions like cancer. The cause may even be something as simple as having too many covers on you in bed. If you experience night sweats often, see your doctor so she can help find the underlying cause.
Black Cohosh
The herb black cohosh was found to have relieving effects on night sweats by the Native Americans over 200 years ago. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that this herb was used for night sweats, mood swings and problems with sleep. Night sweats and hot flashes are often associated with menopause, and black cohosh is used to relieve other menopausal symptoms as well, including irritability. One study found this herb to be more effective than the drug fluoxetine, also known as Prozac, in relieving night sweats and hot flashes, notes UMMC. This herb may interact with other medications and may not be appropriate for everyone; ask your health care provider if it is safe to take before doing so.
Red Clover
Red clover is a plant typically used to feed grazing animals, but it has also been found to have medicinal effects. According to UMMC, this herb has been used to help treat whooping cough, skin inflammation and respiratory problems. This plant can also act as a diuretic and as an expectorant to get rid of mucus. The plant also contains chemicals called isoflavones, which are plant chemicals that produce effects in the body similar to estrogen. This herb can help ease hot flashes and night sweats, although results of using this herb are mixed, notes UMMC. Some medications may interact with red clover, so talk with your doctor before using this herb for night sweats.
Korean Ginseng
Korean ginseng, also called Asian ginseng, is known as an adaptogen, which means it may help the body adapt to stressors. It helps fight fatigue, increases mental alertness and may help relieve stress. Greenridge.com states that for women going through menopause, this herb can also help relieve vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats. Due to the stimulatory properties of this drug, you should ask your doctor if this is safe for you to consume before using it. It may also interact with medications, so tell your health care provider about any other drugs you may be taking to ensure that it is safe for you to use Korean ginseng for your night sweats.
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